Our clients benefit from the unique perspective and experience of the firm’s lawyers who have been actively involved in a broad range of key regulatory policy issues affecting the communications industry for decades. In recent years, the firm has been at the forefront in representing clients on some of the most important policy issues facing the communications sector:

Regulation of Telecommunications Services in the Internet Age – We have advised and represented clients in various FCC proceedings concerning the provision of voice and Internet services, including proceedings to promote the deployment of broadband service, reform the FCC’s universal service and intercarrier compensation systems, and implement number portability and other pro-competitive statutory provisions. We also have represented clients in matters concerning the regulatory treatment and obligations of VoIP and Internet services, including the Open Internet, technology transitions, and backup power proceedings.

Spectrum and Satellite-Based Services – We have advised clients on initiatives to allocate additional spectrum for mobile broadband services, FCC spectrum auctions, E911 requirements, leasing and transferring spectrum rights, the use of Mobile Satellite Service spectrum for terrestrial use, reconfiguring spectrum bands to address interference issues, and a host of other issues affecting wireless carriers and satellite operators.

Foreign Ownership – We have aided numerous clients in obtaining authorization for foreign ownership with both the FCC and Team Telecom, including successfully obtaining such authorizations for the interest SoftBank holds in Sprint.

Funding and Fees – The firm has assisted clients in complying with various matters related to universal service funding, including compliance with the obligations of the E-rate and Lifeline programs. Relatedly, the firm regularly aids clients in matters related to universal service contributions and related regulatory fees.

Our clients benefit from the perspective and experience gained by the firm’s lawyers in government positions:

FCC Expertise – Firm lawyers have held senior positions at the FCC, including Chief of the Wireless Bureau, Chief of the International Bureau, Chief of the Common Carrier Bureau (renamed the Wireline Competition Bureau), and Chief of the Media Bureau’s Policy Division. In these senior positions, firm lawyers oversaw the implementation of the Telecommunications Act of 1996; the first commercial wireless spectrum auctions in the United States; a ground-breaking World Trade Organization agreement to promote competition in foreign telecommunications markets; and regulatory policies governing the deployment of Digital TV.

Executive and Legislative Experience – Firm lawyers also have served in senior positions in the executive and legislative branches, including Senior Policy Advisor in the White House, Chief Counsel and Staff Director for the House Commerce Subcommittee, and Republican Counsel and Senior Counsel for Communications to the Senate Commerce Committee.

Expert Testimony – Firm lawyers have served as expert witnesses in litigation involving a variety of complex legal and technical issues related to wireline, wireless, and satellite telecommunications.